NBA Player News

Clarke finished Friday's 132-124 victory over the Pelicans with three points (0-1 FG, 3-4 FT), four rebounds, two blocks and two steals across 19 minutes.

Clarke continued his role off the bench, with Zach Edey now locked in as the starting center. Although he was nearly non-existent when it came to scoring the basketball, Clarke managed to record four defensive stats. He could struggle to play more than 20 minutes per game moving forward, which could limit his production, especially on the offensive end of the floor.

Nurkic was ejected in the third quarter of Friday's game against the Mavericks after getting into an altercation with Naji Marshall, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports. Nurkic ended the game with three points (1-4 FG, 1-1 3Pt), five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block across 14 minutes.

Marshall and Nurkic exchanged words after the Suns' big man was assessed with an offensive foul, and the two had to be separated after throwing punches at each other. P.J. Washington was also ejected on the same sequence after he got into the argument and pushed Nurkic to the hardwood. The absence of Nurkic will translate into more minutes for the likes of Oso Ighodaro and Mason Plumlee, although Kevin Durant could also slide to the five in an attempt to play with a small-ball lineup.

Williams (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Mavericks.

Williams has been sidelined for the Blazers' last two games due to a right ankle sprain. Deni Avdija and Kris Murray have each seen their minutes increase over the past two games due to the absences of Williams and Dalano Banton (hip).

Hayes (ankle) is questionable to play Saturday against the Kings.

Hayes took part in practice Friday, and while that's an encouraging sign, the questionable tag suggests a decision on the big man's status will be made closer to Saturday's 10:30 p.m. ET tipoff. Hayes hasn't played since Nov. 26, meaning he's missed the Lakers' last 13 contests.

Wembanyama (face) is on the floor for the start of the fourth quarter of Friday's game against the Nets, Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Wembanyama briefly went to the locker room in the third quarter after taking an inadvertent shot to the chin from Jalen Wilson. Wembanyama returned the bench near the end of the frame and is back on the floor for the fourth quarter.

Missi (back) has returned for the second half of Friday's game against Memphis, Jim Eichenhofer of the Pelicans' official site reports.

Missi left in the second quarter of Friday's game due to a back injury, but he was back on the floor working out with trainers before the start of the second half, per Will Guillory of The Athletic. Missi appears to be past the issue and is on the floor for the start of the second half.

Wembanyama (face) went to the locker room in the third quarter of Friday's game against the Nets, Jeff Garcia of KENS 5 San Antonio reports.

Wembanyama got hit under his chin by Jalen Wilson on a rebound attempt midway through the third quarter, which led to the former leaving for the locker room. Charles Bassey and Zach Collins are in line to see more playing time for as long as Wembanyama is sidelined.

Missi went to the locker room in the second quarter of Friday's game against the Grizzlies due to a back injury, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.

Missi was checked on by trainers on the bench before leaving for the locker room. Daniel Theis and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl should see additional playing time for as long as Missi is sidelined during Friday's contest.

Gafford is in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Suns, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

The Mavericks will deal with the absence of two regular starters, Luka Doncic (calf) and Dereck Lively (hip), meaning Gafford will step into the starting unit at center. Gafford is averaging 12.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game when deployed in a starting role this season.

Lively (hip) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Suns, Mark Followill of Bally Sports Southwest reports.

Lively is working through a left hip contusion, which is serious enough for him to be sidelined for Friday's Western Conference clash. Daniel Gafford will likely slide into the starting lineup due to Lively's injury, while Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell should see increased playing time off the Mavericks' bench. Lively's next opportunity to play will be Saturday against Portland.